State lawmakers in the House have begun to debate . Republican representative Nelson Dollar told his fellow lawmakers the budget plan is a good one.
"We are pleased to have a new governor here in Raleigh. We think that the spirit of reform has come to our state capitol. We believe our budget has caught the winds of reform and is moving us forward," said Dollar.The plan would spend more than $20 billion in the next fiscal year. It would also set aside $400 million for budget emergencies and building repairs.
The House's proposal would give more to public schools than a plan already put forth by the Senate. It would spend less on the UNC system.
But Democrats say Republican lawmakers, who want to lower personal and corporate income tax rates, will end up providing less money for education and other services.